Grover, Benji and Nanna Jean

Grover, Benji and Nanna Jean (Grover McBane Rescue Dog #3) by Claire Garth, illustrated by Johannes Leak, Piccolo Nero, 128pp,  PB RRP $ 12.99 ISBN 978 1 863958325 $12.99

Reviewed by Allison Paterson

Grover, Benji and Nanna Jean is the third delightful instalment in the Grover McBane Rescue Dog series. Based on the real-life experience of the author, the series delves into the life of rescue dog Grover and shares both his troubles and joys.

Previously, Grover has found a new and delightful home with rescue centre worker, Annie, who provides relief from Grover’s previous life with The Man With Big Boots. Grover is soon helping other dogs as they arrive at the centre. He loves his new job meeting new friends and helping them overcome their problems.  Lurking on his porch though, is the nasty neighbourhood cat, Mr Tibbles. When Grover needs to help the blind and deaf rescue dog Benji to adjust to his new life, Mr Tibbles sets Grover a big challenge!

Told in the voice of the animals and expressing their thoughts and feelings, this series is ideal for animal lovers. We delve into the conversations of the animal friends, allowing young readers to discover that they may also experience those same emotions in their own lives. We also gently come to understand the special relationship that exists between pets and their owners and significantly, that our animal friends need responsible care, understanding and respect.

The illustrations add a delightful dimension to the tale and further endear the pets and their stories to the reader. The language is accessible and formatted for those developing independence in their reading. The important role that animal shelters and vets have in our community is also highlighted and it is lovely to see that a percentage of sales goes to the Sydney Dogs’ and Cats’ Home.

Three Magic Balloons

Three Magic Balloons as told to Julianna Margulies and her Sisters told by Paul Margulies, illustrated by Grant Shaffer (Piccolo Nero) HB RRP

ISBN 9781863958370

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

Julianna Margulies is a world-famous award-winning actress. The story re-told in this picture book by her brother was one originally told to her and her two sisters when they were children by their father. It’s a story about three children who every Saturday go with their dad to the Children’s Zoo in a city park (probably Central Park in New York). Dad offers them money for a treat, but instead they choose to buy foods for the animals. One day, a mysterious man gives them a small reward for their kindness – a different colour balloon for each of them. At night they dream that their respective beds – to which their balloons are tethered – float through the sky where they meet three angels who grant them wishes.

It must have been wonderful to have such a loving father who was also a storyteller. But would this picture book have been published if written by an unknown author? I wondered this as I found this story sweet and sentimental but not memorable. It also contains Americanised words which might not be familiar to Australian readers.

Nevertheless the story has a certain charm and the illustrations are bright and amusing. The story’s message is: ‘Magic is everywhere; you just need to know where to look’ – which, after all, is a great message for anyone. 

The Two Acrobats

The Two Acrobats by Jeanne Ryckmans, illustrations Pierre Ryckmans (Piccolo Nero) HB RRP

ISBN 9781863957892

Reviewed by Dianne Bates

This is a small (13 x 17 cm) illustrated book about best friends Basil and Frederick (one a short man, the other tall) who work together at the Winter Circus in Paris. Both are world famous trapeze artists who work seven nights a week, 365 days a year. However, after eating two dozen snails at a birthday party, Basil is hospitalised. This causes problems for Frederick and the circus (‘the show must go on!) The result is a comedy act which involves the circus strongman and the French President.

This is a slight but quite enchanting story; however, the publishers have used text in hand writing, which might be difficult for young readers who are used to typed font. The illustrations are comic, the illustrator using black pen outlines and coloured pencil.

If they can read it, the book is suitable for children aged 7+ years.

Grover McBane: rescue Dog – Book 1 Grover finds a home

Grover McBane: rescue Dog – Book 1 Grover finds a home By Claire Garth (Piccolo Nero)

RRP $12.99

ISBN 978-1-86395-813-4

Reviewed by Ramona Davey

I don’t have a dog but I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. Grover is a very lovable character. His owner mistreats him. You don’t read about the mistreatment but you get a very good sense that Grover has had a tough time. He is a bag of nerves and very hungry. When he escapes, he gets picked up and taken to an animal shelter, which we know as readers, is a good thing. But Grover doesn’t know that. All he sees is unfamiliar territory and the possibility of being sent back to his horrible owner.

I love the way the author Claire Garth has let us in to Grover’s mind in her writing. We feel his fears and ultimately joy.

This book is the first in a series. I am not sure if they have to be read in order but this one is definitely a great place to start.

Throughout the book there are realistic black and white sketches by Johannes Leak, which are a perfect choice for this story.

An enjoyable chapter book with a heart-warming story for 7-9 year olds or anyone who likes to read about rescued animals.